More than ever people are deciding to start new lives abroad. Plenty of men and women—some are widows or widowers, others divorced or never married—have one thing in common: they are moving abroad to enjoy better, more affordable lifestyles.
There is no hard data on the number of singles abroad—countries like the U.S. and Canada don’t keep track of how many of their citizens live elsewhere but it is estimated that between 40% and 50% of expats from the U.S. and Canada are single.
So if you’re solo and dreaming of life abroad, just do it. Why? Well, first, you’ll be in good company, among thousands of singles all in the same boat. They’re in new communities, and they need to network and make friends. Over time, they become part of an overseas family. And if the hundreds upon hundreds of expats we’ve talked to are any indication, that’s just what your new circle of friends will feel like.
Why Singles Are Moving
For many, more freedom from financial worries ranks among their top reasons for considering such a big change. But the happiest singles have other reasons, besides. Moving abroad should be about adventure, opportunity, exploration…whatever motivates you and gets you out of bed in the morning.
Using a move as a chance to “reinvent yourself” resonates particularly strongly with single women. Over and over, women who spent decades raising a family or managing a career tell us, “this is my time.”
Is Single Life Abroad for You?
Before considering a new life abroad, we recommend profiling yourself ruthlessly. There are expat destinations in countries around the world to suit just about every taste. So, it’s up to you to be honest with yourself about what you need. Some things to consider are:
- What kind of climate do you like best?
- Do you want a small town or a large city?
- How social are you?
- Are you willing to learn a new language?
- Would you prefer a place with a large expat community, or a small one?
In English-speaking Belize, you won’t have to worry about learning a new language. And it’s certainly easy to get by with just English in large expat communities in Mexico, Panama, Costa Rica, and Ecuador. But even in these places, you’ll have a much easier time…and a richer overseas experience…if you make an effort to learn Spanish. Even if you choose Thailand, where tourism and business have led to English being widely spoken, it’s only polite to learn as much of the local language as you can. It’ll likely be much tougher for you than Spanish. Does that challenge sound exciting or daunting? Again, be brutally honest as you profile yourself.
Interacting with locals—making friends and acquaintances, getting to know the culture and engage with the community—is one of the biggest pleasures of expat life. It’s life-affirming and mind-broadening. But moving to a place with other expats—even if there are only a few—can make your transition, and life in general, much easier.
Who’s the best local carpenter or electrician (and how much should you pay them)? How and where do you sign up for utilities? What shops sell goodies from back home? Choose a place with at least a small expat community and you won’t have to figure out these things on your own.
In addition, other expats will be eager to befriend you. You’re a new face. And they know what it’s like to make the move and be away from your home country. They’ll get together for national or religious holidays, for election nights and sporting events, and being able to join them will allow you to enjoy life abroad without missing home too much.
Will I Be Safe Overseas?
Expats in popular destinations will often tell you that they feel safer abroad than they did back home. (These same expats also agree that it’s best to use common sense and never take safety for granted.)
Perhaps you expected as much of cities in Europe. Maybe you’re thinking:
That’s all well and good, but what about Latin America’s Most Notorious?
Despite the media’s focus on violence, much of Mexico is very safe. Many singles live here quite happily. Puerto Vallarta, Mérida, Lake Chapala…all these destinations are fun, filled with single expats, and may well be far safer than where you live now. Naturally, you’ll find some crime in cities…that goes for Europe, too…but again, crime rates are often a mere fraction of what you’d see in U.S. cities of the same size.
Looking for Love?
Not everyone is single by choice. In fact, most singles prefer to leave the door to romance ajar as opposed to firmly closed. Fortunately, there are significant numbers of singles, of every sexual persuasion, in most large expat havens.
But not all destinations are created equal. Some expat destinations tend to create a “couples culture” that unconsciously excludes singles. You’re not invited to dinner because it throws the numbers off at the table? You’re only invited when there’s a spare (fe)male? Yep, that’s “couples culture.”
Other destinations may have seedy reputations or tend to attract many more singles of one sex—usually males—than the other. The Philippines and Thailand both fit these descriptions.
Whatever destination you’re interested in, you’ll need to plan a visit—ideally an extended one—so you can judge whether you’ll truly be comfortable there.
Where to Live as a Single Abroad
Panama boasts mountain havens and country hamlets…miles and miles of beaches along the Pacific and Caribbean…and, of course, a modern capital famous for its sparkling skyline. Many locals speak English—among them doctors and white-collar execs.
Nature lovers, artists, foodies, alternative healers, and musicians all feel welcome in this highland hamlet. The local Panamanian population is friendly and welcoming. And although it certainly helps, you don’t need to be fluent in Spanish to enjoy a comfortable life here.
Costa Rica also has a climate and location to suit nearly every taste. Cool Central Valley towns, surrounded by coffee farms and lush green mountainsides…Pacific Coast beach towns where you can doze in a hammock in the afternoon sun, with clear waters lapping the shore nearby…and the dramatic volcano backdrop of Lake Arenal, home to a close-knit community of expats.
And There’s Much More To Explore
Latin America offers ease of travel and proximity to the U.S., and many North Americans grow up learning Spanish. It’s no wonder you’ll find more expat singles from North America there than in Europe and Asia. But that doesn’t mean you should cross these regions off your list.
Portugal is a magical place where Medieval villages perch atop steep escarpments, and deep rivers snake through vineyards and rustling woodland. The fact that it’s Western Europe’s most affordable destination is a happy bonus.
Spain also boasts beautiful beaches, mountains, and cities…and, of course, plenty of sunshine. It’s the most popular country for Europeans seeking a home overseas. North Americans, too, have begun to see the allure of Spain for laidback yet cultured European life.
Thailand offers a year-round tropical climate and access to modern comforts and conveniences, including affordable, high quality medical care…for pennies on the dollar. Thailand is home to glittering temples, lush mountain jungles, and tropical beaches and islands. Its people are welcoming with a fun-loving nature…the face of “The Land of Smiles,” with its fascinating culture and history.
